Johnston



March 15, 1949. H. JOHNSTON 2,464,449

AUTOMATIC BIT SORTER Filed Aug. 14, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR. HOWARD JOHNSTON A TTORNEV Match 15, i949.

H. JOHNSTON AUTOMATIC BIT SORTER 7 Sh ets-Sh t 2 Filed Aug. 14, 1945 'INVENTOR.

HOWARb JOHNSTON A T TORNEY' March 15, 1949.

H. JOHNSTON AUTOMATIC BIT SORTER Filed Aug. 14, 1945 '7 Sheets-Sheet I:

/ 56 69 3HOWARD JOHNSTON ATTORNEY.

- March 15, 1949. H. JOHNSTON 4,

AUTOMATIC BIT SORTER Filed Aug. 14, 1945 'TShets-Sheei 4 IN VEN TOR. i HOWARD JOHNSTON A TTORNEV.

March 15, 1949. JOHNSTON 2,464,449

AUTOMATIC BIT SORTER Filed Aug. 14, 1945 k 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. HOWARD JOHNSTON A T TORNE'V H. JOHNSTON AUTOMATIC BIT SORTER March 15, 1949.

7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Aug. 14, 1945 INVENTOR.

HOWARD JOHNSTON A T TORNEY March 15, 1949. H. JOHNSTON 2,464,449

' AUTOMATIGVBIT SORIER Filqd Aug. 14, 1945 '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVEN TOR. HOWA R0 JOHNSTON A T TORNEY Patented Mar. 15, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,464,449 AUTOMATIC BIT SORTER Howard Johnston, Happy Camp, Calif.

Application August 14, 1945, Serial No. 610,721

14 Claims. 1

This invention relates to automatic machines for sorting articles according to size or configuration, and it is an object of the invention to provide a machine adapted to receive a continuous stream of articles of varying sizes or shapes, gauge them as to dimensions or configuration, sort them accordingly, and then deliver them into appropriate separate receptacles.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine capable of sorting articles according to size or configuration with unfailing accuracy.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine capable of sorting articles according to size or configuration at a high rate of speed.

More particularly, it is an object of the inven tion to provide an improved sorting machine employing a series of gauges of different sizes that travel continuously around a closed path in order of decreasing size, together with apparatus for feeding the articles to be sorted, one at a time, into the path of the gauges during each cycle thereof for removal by a gauge of corresponding size, and apparatus for receiving articles removed by the gauges and conveying them along paths, determined by the gauge that removes them, into appropriate receptacles or bins.

The specific embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is specially designed for sorting detachable rock drilling bits after they have been dulled, before or after they have been I'esharpened, to facilitate sup-plying bits of a uniform size to a Workman or machine performing a drilling operation.

The conventional rock drilling bit of the detachable type comprises a cylindrical hollow shank of one diameter and a coaxial cylindrical head of a larger diameter at one end of the shank. While the bit is being used for drilling into rock, its terminal cutting edges become dulled, and the larger outer annular cylindrical surface of the cutting head is subject to wear that gradually reduces the diameter of the head. Usually several replacements of dulled bits are required during the drilling of a single hole; the best results are obtained under most conditions if a worn bit is replaced each time by one about a & to smaller. A gauge change is adopted so that each replacement drill will follow. This practice makes it important to have the gauges sorted accurately for size, and quickly.

Heretofore, the sorting of bits according to the diameters of their heads has been performed largely by hand, and the task has been time-consuming, tedious, and inaccurate. One method of gauging bits that is commonly employed is to measure the diameters of the heads of the bits along lines coincident with the centers of opposed wings of the cutting end thereof. Another feasible method is to pass the bits through a series of ring gauges until a ring gauge of a size corresponding to the size of the bit has been determined. Both the manufacturers and users of bit-sharpening equipment have spent substantial sums of money and a great deal of time and effort in attempts to perfect a machine that will automatically gauge bits by some method such as one of those described and sort the bits according to size. However, in spite of these eiforts and the commercial demand for a satisfactory bit-sorting machine, none has yet been made available.

The machine illustrated herein involves apparatus for feeding bits to be sorted sequentially in sets of gauges by means of a bit support carried on the end of a slender arm, apparatus for moving the sets of gauges continuously around a circular path in timed relation with the feeding apparatus to pick up a bit therefrom during each cycle of each set of gauges, and an arrangement of distributing chutes and bins for separately receiving the bits of different sizes as determined by the particular gauges picking them up from the feeding apparatus. With the machine illustrated, bits may be rapidly sorted according to size with unfailing accuracy.

While this machine has been specially designed for sorting detachable rock drilling bits, it will be apparent from the following disclosure that the basic features of the machine may be readily employed for sorting other types of articles according to size or configuration with the same accuracy and facility. For convenience in terminology, the word size will hereinafter be employed in referring not only to the size of an article as a Whole, but also to the size of a portion of an article with respect to another portion thereof. In other Words, variations in the configuration of an article are henceforth intended to be embraced by expressions making reference to variations in size, and the expression a machine for sorting articles according to size will be employed as including a machine for sorting articles according to configuration.

In the following detailed description of one embodiment of the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a machine for sorting detachable rock-drilling bits according to the maximum diameters of their heads;

Fig. 2 is another side elevation of the machine,

showing the opposite side thereof from that shown in Fig. l with the wheel advanced 90, this view being partly in section to expose certain parts that would otherwise be hidden;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation similar to a portion of Fig. 2, but with certain parts broken away, illustrating on an enlarged scale the cooperative relation between a magazine for feeding bits to the machine, mechanism for moving bits sequentially from the magazine to a position where they can be gauged, and two sets of gauges and associated parts that are movable continuously around a circular path past the gauging position;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the machine, the plane of the section being indicated by the line 4-4, in Fig. 3;

5 is a fragmentary plan view of the machine, illustrating on an enlarged scale the operation of the mechanism for moving bits sequentiaily from magazine to the position where they are gauged, and further illustrating the cooperative relation of certain parts depicted in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of the group of receptacles or bins that are disposed to receive bits of different sizes from certain ones of a number of receiving passages that are respectively associated with a corresponding number of gauges;

Fig. '7 is an isometric view of one of a pair of identical chutes that are respectively associated with the largest size gauge in each of the two sets of gauges for guiding bits corresponding in size to those gauges into one of the bins shown in Fig. 6;

8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the machine, the plane of the section being just a little off center of the chute illustrated in Fig. 7 and off the centers of the associated gauge and bit receiving bin;

Fig. 9 is another fragmentary sectional view of the machine showing the relation between a secand and a third conduit-type chute and a distributing drum assembly, the plane of the section being indicated by the line 9-9 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is another fragmentary sectional view of the machine showing the paths through the distributing drum assembly followed by bits entering it from the second and third chutes, the plane of the section being indicated by the line l-iSinFig.9;

Fig. 11 is another fragmentary sectional view of the machine showing how the entrance ends of the chutes are shaped, the plane of the section being indicated by the line ll--ll in Fig. 10, and certain parts being omitted for clarity;

Fig. 12 is another fragmentary sectional view of the machine after the gauge and chute assemoly has been rotated about 45 from the position in which it is shown in Fig. 10 in order to show the second and third chutes in position for discharging bits into a pair of respectively associated bins, the plane of the section through the gauge and drum assembly being indicated by the line l2-i 2 in Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a fragmenary sectional view similar to Fig. 9 but taken along a plane indicated by the line I'J-IB in Fig. 2 in order to show the relation between a fourth and a fifth chute and the distributing drum assembly;

Fig. 14 is another fragmentary sectional View of the machine showing the paths through the distributing drum assembly that are followed by bits entering it from the fourth and fifth chutes, the

4 plane of the section being indicated by the line i k-44 in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is another fragmentary sectional view of the machine after the gauge and drum assembly has been rotated about 45 from the position in which it is shown in Fig. 14 in order to show the fourth and fifth chutes in position for discharging bits into a pair of respectively associated bins, the plane of the section through the gauge and drum assembly being indicated by the line |5l5 in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is another fragmentary sectional View similar to Fig. 9 but taken through the sixth chute from its position in Fig. 2 with the wheel 26 rotated about counter-clockwise in order to show the relation between this sixth chute and the fixed distributing chute;

Fig. 17 is another fragmentary sectional view of the machine showing the path through the distributing drum assembly that is followed by bits entering it from the sixth chute, the plane of the section being indicated by the line l'l-i1 in Fig. 15;

Fig. 18 is another fragmentary sectional view of the machine showing the mounting of a jarring mechanism on the gauge and drum assembly for freeing bits lodged in a gauge so they may be readily removed from the gauge by the force of gravity, the plane of the section being indicated by the line l8! 8 in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 19 is a view in perspective of one form of bit which can be sorted in this machine.

Referring first to Figs. 1, 2, and 9, the machine may be constructed on a rigid frame 29 including a pair of spaced-apart trusses 2| and 22 between which a cylindrical structure of considerable size may be mounted for rotation, preferably about a horizontal axis. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, a horizontal shaft 23 is mounted adjacent its opposite ends in a pair of journals 24 and 25 that are respectively secured in a suitable manner on top of the trusses 2| and 22.

A centrally apertured disc 26 is mounted on the shaft 23 between the supports 2! and 22 and is rigidly secured to the shaft for rotation therewith. On opposite sides of the disc 26, and forming a rigid structure therewith, a pair of drum segments 21 and 28 are axially mounted on the shaft 23 with an open end of each drum segment abutting the interposed disc to form in effect, a single drum divided interiorly by the disc 25 into two main compartments. The main compartment of one of the drum segments 21 is divided into two smaller compartments by a partition 29, and the main compartment of the other drum segment 28 is divided into three smaller compartments by a pair of partitions 38 and 3!. The partitions 29, 30, and 3| are disposed parallel with the disc 26 and are so spaced with respect to the ends of the drum and the disc that five substantially identical annular compartments 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 are provided within the composite drum.

Bit pick-up mechanism Two sets of split-ring gauges, having six gauges in each set, are mounted around the periphery of the disc 26, each gauge being supported on the outer end of a radially extending arm 37 that is secured to the disc in any suitable manner, as by welding. All of the radially extending arms 3'! may be identical in size and shape, and the six arms for one set of gauges are mounted in uniformly spaced-apart relation around 90 of the circumference of the disc 26, while the six arms 31 for the other set of gauges are similarly mounted around a diametrically opposed 90 portion of the circumference of the disc 26.

For convenience hereinafter, the split-ring gauges in each set will be identified by the same set of six reference characters. As shown in Fig. 2, the gauges in each set are numbered serially in a clockwise direction by reference characters 4| to 46 inclusive; and the internal diameters of the gauges in each set decrease progressively in the same order, the first gauge 4| being the largest and the sixth gauge being the smallest. .As best shown in Figs.'3 and 5, each split-ring gauge is secured to its radially projecting arm 31 by suitable fastening means 41 that pass through the arm and through an extension 48 of the gauge. The several gauges in both sets are mounted so that the axis of the ring portion of each gauge is tangent to a circle that is coaxial with the shaft '23 on which the gauge and drum assembly is mounted; and the gap or space it in each of the gauges M to 46 is disposed in alignment with those in the others, preferably with the centers of the gaps exactly opposite the points on the rings where the extensions 48 are attached. Thus, as the shaft 23 is rotated, the centers of all the gauges travel along a common circular path. and the gaps in the gauges all travel along a similar common path of larger radius.

Suitable means are provided for rotating the shaft 23, such as a pulley Ell driven by an electric motor 5| through an endless belt 52 (see Fig. 1). The direction of the rotation is such that the gauges ll-45 in each set travel around the shaft 23 in order of decreasing internal diameter. By placing a bit It (see Fig. 3) to be sorted in the path of each set of gauges during each revolution of the shaft 23, with the head or cutting end 16 of the bit facing in the direction of movement of the gauges and with the axis of the bit tangent to the path of the centers of the gauges, any gauge having a larger internal diameter than the diameter of the head [6 of the bit will pass by in encircling relation thereto, and any gauge not large enough for this will pass over the shank portion it only and will carry the bit along with it. In this manner, one of the gauges in each set can be caused to pick up a bit during each complete revolution of the gauge and drum assembly. In order to insure that no hit will be passed by all six gauges of a set, the sixth gauge 46 is made with an internal diameter smaller than the minimum diameter of the heads of any of the bits to be sorted. By mounting the gauges to travel along a circular path of sufiicientl great radius relative to the length of the bits to be sorted, the axes of the bits may be caused to lie for their full lengths sufiiciently close to the path of the centers of the gauges so that the deviation from exact coincidence will not interfere with satisfactory operation.

Bit-feeding mechanism Referring now particularly to Figs. 3 to 5, the mechanism for feeding bits into the path of the split-ring gauges includes a vertically disposed, tubular magazine 55 that is mounted with the axis of the tube lying in the plane defined by the circular path of the centers of the gauges. The tube is supported by a bracket 55 mounted in any suitably rigid manner on a horizontally disposed plate 59 carried by the frame 28]. The

lower end of the tube is open, and the side wall' of the tube adjacent the lower end thereof is cut away to form an opening 5! permitting a bit l5, dropped shank end first down the tube, to be stopped with its lower end flush with the bottom of the tube and then to be moved horizontally through the opening 51 along a straight line path toward the path of the gauges.

Extending into the magazine tube 55 from opposite sides thereof through a pair of openings 58 therein, are a pair of gripping tongs 60 adapted to support a column of bits l5 in the tube by pressure exerted on opposite sides of the shank of the lowermost bit in the column immediately below the head It thereof. The tongs 60 respectively include arms that are disposed in generally parallel relation and extend in a direction away from the path of the gauges to respective pivotal mountings 6! carried by a pair of similar horizontal plates 62 that are in turn secured to the bracket 56, as by welding. Approximately midway between its ends, each tong it is provided with a lug B3, and the lugs on the two tongs project toward each other and terminate in spaced-apart cam surfaces 84.

A rotatable arm is mounted on a horizontal shaft 66 for rotation about its mid-point in a vertical plane in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3, and a wedge-shaped lug 61 is provided on each end of the rotatable arm. The two lugs 61 are disposed so that their common path of rotation about the shaft 5b lies between the cam surfaces of the lugs 63 of the tongs 60, and the width of the lugs 61 on the arm 65 is substantially greater than the space between the lugs 63 on the tongs when the tongs are in gripping engagement with a bit. Thus, each time a lug t! on the arm 65 is forced between the cam surfaces 64, the tongs 60 are caused to pivot away from each other and to release the lowermost bit in the magazine tube 55. As soon as a lug B1 on the arm 65 has passed between the cam surfaces 64, a helical spring E59, secured under tension at its opposite ends to the two tongs, causes the tongs to pivot toward each other for gripping the succeeding bit in the magazine as it drops into the position formerly occupied by the bit just released. By suitably proportioning the length of the lugs 61 on the arm 55 and the width of the lugs 63 on the tongs 6B for any given speed of rotation of the arm 65, the tongs 60 may be caused to return to their gripping positions at the proper speed to prevent more than one bit being dropped below the tongs during each half revolution of the arm 65.

The arm 65 is caused to rotate at the same angular velocity as the gauges by means of an endless chain 10 acting between a sprocket H on the drum shaft 23 and a sprocket T2 of the same dimensions on the shaft 55, whereby one bit is caused to drop from the tongs fill during every half revolution of the gauge and drum assembly.

An arm 15 is mounted for longitudinal movement directly below the lower end of the magazine tube 55 along a straight line path passing through the center line of the magazine and through the path of the centers of the gauges 4l46. One end of the arm i5 carries a horizontally disposed disc, or table, 16 having a coaxially disposed, cylindrical projection l! on its surface. The diameter of the projection I7 is slightly smaller than the internal diameter ll of the shank of a conventional, detachable bit l5 so that the projection will readily fit into the end of the bit, and the diameter of the table 15 is somewhat greater than the diameter of the projection 11, but smaller than the internal diameter of the smallest gauges 46. The width of the arm I5, in a horizontal direction transverse to its path of travel, is less than the Width of the gap 49 in each gauge.

At its opposite end from the table I8, the arm 15 is secured in any suitably rigid manner to a movable block 80 that is slidably mounted on a stationary block BI. movable block 89 is provided with a channel 82 in its lower surface and with inwardly projecting horizontal flanges 83 that form a positive guide for the movement of the block 89 on the stationary block 8!. The stationary block 8| is supported by a bracket 84 that is in turn supported on the horizontally disposed plate 59 carried b the frame 29.

At one end of its movement, the table 16 on the arm I is positioned slightly below the lower open end of the magazine tube 55, and the cylindrical projection '51 extends for substantially its full height up into the magazine tube. When a bit I5 is dropped by the tongs 60, the hollow shank I! of the bit fits over the projection TI and rests on the table I6. The arm I5 is then moved along its path of travel toward the path of the center line of the gauges M46 and is stopped when the bit (supported on the table 16) is aligned in that path in the manner described above. The dropping of a bit from the magazine 55 and the movement of the arm are timed with the movement of the gauges so that a bit is positioned in the path of the gauges just ahead of the first gauge III in one of the sets. As the gauges swing upwardly past the table I6, the table I6 passes through each of them in order, and the narrow arm I5 passes through the gap 49 of each gauge in order. The bit I5 remains supported on the table 16 until its enlarged end I6 becomes lodged in a gauge of a corresponding size and is carried away thereby. As soon as all the gauges in that set have passed by the table I6, the arm I5 is withdrawn until the table I6 thereon is positioned below the magazine 55 to receive another bit. On receiving a. second bit, the arm I5 is again moved toward the path of the center line of the gauges II-46 to position this bit in that path just ahead of the first gauge AI in the second set of gauges 4I46. As soon as the second set of gauges has passed by the table 16 and the second bit has been removed by a gauge of appropriate size, the arm I5 is again withdrawn, reloaded, and returned with another bit for selection by one of the first set of gauges on its next cycle of travel.

In order to operate the arm F5 in proper timed relation to the dropping of the bits from the magazine and to the cyclical movement of the auges, the movement of the arm is also controlled by the rotation of the shaft 23 on which the gauge and drum assembly is mounted. To this end, a plate cam 83' is rigidly mounted on the shaft 23, and a cam follower 83 is mounted in horizontally disposed guides 89 carried by the frame 26 for reciprocating movement determined by the contour of the cam 3?. The cam follower 93 extends horizontally away from the cam and terminates in a bracket 99 (see Fig. 5), to which a horizontally disposed rod 9; is pivotally secured by means of a vertically disposed pin 92 in the bracket 99. The rod in is in turn secured to a parallel link 93 in a manner designed to give some flexibility in the event the arm I5 to be driven thereby should jam in removing a bit As shown in Fig. 4, the

from the magazine 55. The securing means includes three apertured lugs 94 on the link 93 through which the rod 9| extends, and the rod is held in place by a collar 95, rigidly secured to the rod, and by a helical compression spring 96, both of which surround the rod and bear against opposite surfaces of a pair of adjacent lugs 94. The spring 96 is made sufiiciently strong to carry the normal thrust applied thereto without substantial compression. A second helical spring 97 is held under tension between a lug 98 on the link 93 and a second lug 99 on one of the cam follower guides 89, whereby the cam follower is urged against the cam 8'I at all times.

The link 93 is pivotally connected to one end of a cross link IilEI by means of a vertically disposed pin IGI; the cross link IE0 is connected at its opposite end to a third link I62 by means of a vertically disposed pin I93; and the third link I02 is pivotally connected to the movable block 89 by means of a vertically disposed pin IllIl that is fixed to the movable block. The cross link Hill is pivoted between its ends on a fixed vertical pin 95 carried by a post it that is mounted on the plate 59.

With. this arrangement, reciprocation of the cam follower 8%? drives the rod 9| and link 93 to cause oscillation of the cross link 5%; and oscillation of the cross link I90, acting through the third link m2, causes reciprocation of the block all, the amplitude of movement of the block 8i! being determined by the position of the fixed pin 985 between the ends of the cross link i538. The cam 87 is circular in profile except for two oppositely disposed cut-away portions partially bounded by edges I99 of arcuate profile. and the driving connection between the cam 81 and the movable block 89 is so proportioned that the table I6 is disposed below the magazine 55 when the cam follower is riding along either of th arcuate edges 5G9 and is disposed in the path of the gauges when the cam follower is riding along the intermediate arcuate portions I I9 of greater radius.

Collecting bins Six bins are employed for receiving bits respectively from the six gauges in each set. The bins are grouped about the machine in a manner best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and may be secured together in a unitary assembly in the relation shown in Fig. 6 with an outlet in the bottom of each bin for separate removal of bits of different sizes.

After a gauge has picked up a bit I5 from the table 15, the bit remains in the gauge until the gauge has rotated beyond the highest point along its path and has tilted sufficiently toward an inverted position when the bit will fall out of the gauge under the influence of gravity. To convey bits from the various gauges into appropriate bins, a separate chute is associated with each gauge. The chutes lead along separate paths through the drum assembly on the shaft 23 and finally out of the drum assembly again to a point from which the bits can fall under the influence of gravity into the appropriate bin. The chutes for one set of gauges are identical in all respects with the corresponding chutes for the other set of gauges, so that only one set of chutes need be described in detail. At this point it should be noted too that while the machine described has two sets of gauges it might have only one or it might have several sets, depending upon the capacity to be handled.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 2, the first gauge 44 in one set is shown at the highest point in its path of travel, just before reaching the position for discharging the bit I carried thereby. Ahead of this gauge 4|, a channel-shaped chute III is mounted on the disc 26 by means of a radially extending bracket ill that may be secured to the chute and to the disc in any suitable manner, as by welding. The chute III is so disposed with respect to its associated gauge 4! that a bit dropping from the gauge will fall into the adjacent end of the chute as the assembly continues to rotate. By the time the bit falls out of the opposite end of the chute Ill, gravity and the horizontal component of its own momentum carry it into a bin I2I disposed to receive bits from the gauge 4| of each set. The approximate discharge position of the chute III and the path of descent of a bit into the bin I25 are illustrated in Fig. 8.

Referring now to Figs. 9 to 12, and particularly to Figs. 9 and 3.0, a conduit type of chute H2 is mounted on the drum assembly with one open end H8 thereof disposed with respect to its associated gauge 42 for receiving a bit falling from that gauge when it reaches its discharge position. The conduit H2 leads into the compartment 32 in the drum assembly through an opening H9 and out of the compartment again, through an opening I20 located on the surface of the drum assembly about 80 around the circumference thereof from the inlet opening H9, to a discharge end I21 of the chute. As a bit falls from the gauge 42 down the chute H2 into the compartment 32, the rotation of the drum assembly carries the discharge end I2! of the chute to a point above a bin I22 (see Figs. 6 and disposed to receive bits from gauge 4?. of each set. A baffle I28 that projects beyond the discharge end IZ'I of the chute IIZ prevents bits discharged from this chute from falling into an adjacent bin I 23 for bits of the next smaller size. A conduit type of chute H3, similar to the chute H2 for the second largest gauge 42, is associated in-a like manner with the third gauge 43, one open end I29 of the chute II3 being disposed to receive bits falling from-the associated gauge. The chute I I3 leads into the compartment 33 in the drum assembly and out again, in

the same manner that the chute IIZ passes I through the compartment 32, and terminates in a discharge end I30. By the time a bit falling through the chute II3 reaches the discharge end thereof, rotation of the drum assembly has carried the discharge end of this chute into position for the bit to drop therefrom into a bin I23 disposed to receive bits from the gauge 43 of each set. A baffle I31 that projects beyond the discharge end I38 of the chute H3 prevents bits discharged from this chute from falling into the adjacent bin I22 for bits of the next larger size.

In a similar manner, bits are conveyed from the fourth and fifth largest gauges 44 and 45 through similar respectively associated conduit type chutes H4 and H5 that lead through the compartments 34 and 35 respectively in the drum assembly and terminate in projecting discharge ends I34 and I35 respectively, as shown in detail in Figs. 13 and 14. By the time bits falling through these chutes reach the discharge ends I34 and I-35 thereof, rotation of the drum assembly has carried these discharge ends into positions for the bits to drop therefrom into respectively associated bins I24 and I25, as shown in Fig. 15.

In a like manner, bits are conveyed from the bit falling from one of the chutes H6 into an associated one of these smaller compartments is. finally discharged therefrom through an opening I38 in the adjacent end of the drum assembly and falls into an appropriately disposed bin I26.

The bit jarring mechanism When a bit I5 is picked up by one of the split gauge rings 4|, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, it is apt to become lodged therein so tightly that it cannot fall therefrom when the gauge reaches the normal discharge position. To prevent such an occurence, a gravity operated jarring mechanism is associ-' ated with each. gauge. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 9 and 18, a pair of similar, longitudinally arcuate bars I40 and MI for each set of gauges are'secured at their ends to a pair of radially disposed supporting plates I42 and I43 which are in turn secured to the perimeter of the disc 26 that car-'- ries the gauges. The two supporting plates I41 and I43 are identical except that the plate I43. is provided with a radially projecting lug I44 on its outer edge midway between the adjacent ends of the arcuate bars I40 and MI, as shown in Fig. 18. The bars I40 and MI respectively pass along, opposite sides of all the gauges in the set with which they are associated, and an identical set of bars I40 and MI are associated in thesame manner with the other set of six gauges. Behind each gauge is a separate, pivotally mounted shaft- I45 that is mounted in a pair of journals I46 re-. spectively carried by the two adjacent bars I40. and I4I. Each shaft I45 terminates at one end in a hub I41 from which another rod I48 projects in a radial direction with respect thereto; and a collar-shaped weight I49 is fitted over the radially disposed rod I 48 and is secured in place in a-suitable manner, as by a set screw, to permit longitudinal adjustment of its position thereon.- Midway between the journals I46, each shaft I44 is provided with a lug I50 that projects radially therefrom at an angle of about with the radially projecting rod I48.

When the drum assembly is rotated in a counterclockwise direction as the assembly is viewed in Fig. 2, the weights I49 cause the shafts I45 to oscillate between two extreme angular positions. The extreme counterclockwise position is illustrated in Fig. 2 by the first three jarring devices associated with the first three gauges M, 42, and 43 in the upper set of gauges. In this position, the lug I50 of each jarring device rests against the opening in the underside of its associated gauge with the end of the lug projecting into the center of the gauge. If there were a bit in any of these gauges the lug I50 would have loosenedit as it swung into this position. The extreme clockwise position is illustrated in Fig. 2 by jarring devices associated with the gauges 45 and 46 of the upper set of gauges. In this position, the lug I50 of thejarring device for gauge 45 rests against the chute H6, and that for the gauge 46 rests against the lug I44 on the adjacent supporting plate I43 for the arcuate bars I41: and MI.

The jarring device associated with the gauge 44 is in the process of swinging from the position against the chute H to its extreme counterclockwise position with the lug I59 against the gauge 44. With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 2 the weight I49 on the jarring device for gauge M has just crossed the point of top dead center and is falling, causing the lug I50 to move counterclockwise.

As the gauges descend from their uppermost position, the associated jarring devices rotate clockwise to their extreme clockwise position, and they are then held in that position by gravity.

The counterweight Hi9 brings the lug I up against the next adjacent chute (e. g. the lug I50 for gauge 4! will come against the chute H2). This stops the clockwise movement and the counterweight M9 is carried around as in the positions shown in the lower set of gauges in Fig. 2 and the upper ones for gauges t5 and 45.

The effectiveness of the weights M3 in controlling th jarring mechanisms may be increased by adjusting the positions of the weights along their respective supporting rods 1'48.

As will be apparent from the foregoing, operation of the machine merely requires that the magazine be loaded with bits I5 to be sorted and that the motor 5! be driven at a substantially constant speed. By initially coordinating the action of the tongs 6B and of the bit positioning arm 15 with the rotation of the gauge and drum assembly, a bit will be automatically positioned in the path of each set of gauges during each revolution of that set, and will be picked up by a gauge in that set of proper size, dropped into the associated chute, and finally conveyed into the bin associated with that chute.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been described in detail in compliance with U. S. Rev. Stat, Sec. 488-8, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications thereof may be made while employing the essential principles of its construction and operation. What is claimed is:

1. A machine for sorting articles according to size, comprising a plurality of gauges each having an aperture therethrough of a different size from the others and similar in profile to the articles to be sorted, means for cyclically moving said gauges around a predetermined closed path in order of decreasing aperture size, and means for aligning one of the articles to be sorted in a position in said path ahead of said gauges during each cycle so that the article will lodge in the aperture of a gauge of appropriate size as the gauges pass said position.

2. A machine for sorting articles of circular cross-section according to their maximum diameters, comprising a plurality of ring gauges of different internal diameters, means for cyclically moving said gauges around a predetermined circular path in order of decreasing internal diameter, and means for centering one of the articles to be sorted in said path during each cycle for selective removal by a gauge of appropriate size.

3. A machine for sorting articles of circular cross-section according to their maximum diameters, comprising a plurality of split ring gauges of different internal diameters, means for cyclically moving said gauges around a predetermined circular path in order of decreasing internal diameter, and means for positioning one of the articles to be sorted in said path during each cycle for selective removal by a gauge of appropriate size, said positioning means being supported by anarm capable of passing through the split of each split ring gauge.

4. A machine for sorting articles of circular cross-section according to their maximum diameters, comprising a plurality of split ring gauges of different internal diameters, means for cyclically moving said gauges along a predetermined circular path in order of decreasing internal diameters, means operative to position said articles to be sorted sequentially in said path, and means for operating said positioning means in coordinated relation with the movement of said gauges such that one of said articles is positioned in said path ahead of said gauges during each cycle of movement thereof, said positioning means being supported by an arm capable of passing through the split of each split ring gauge.

5. A machine for sorting articles of circular cross-section according to their maximum diameters, comprising a plurality of split ring gauges of different internal diameters mounted on a horizontal shaft for rotation therewith along a predetermined circular path in order of decreasing internal diameter, a magazine for feeding the articles to be sorted to the machine, means operative to receive said articles sequentially from said magazine and position them sequentially in said path, and means controlled by rotation of said shaft for operating said positioning means to position one of said articles in said path ahead of the gauges during each revolution thereof, said positioning means including a supporting arm capable of passing through the split of each split ring gauge as it passes thereby.

6. A machine for sorting articles of circular cross-section according to their maximum diameters, comprising a plurality of sets of split ring gauges mounted in spaced-apart relation circumferentially around a horizontal shaft for rotation along a predetermined circular path, each set of gauges comprising a plurality of individual gauges of different internal diameters disposed in spaced-apart relation along said path in order of decreasing internal diameter, a magazine for feeding said articles to be sorted to the machine, means operative to receive said articles sequentially from said magazine and position them sequentially in said path, and means controlled by rotation of said shaft for operating said positioning means to position an article in said path ahead of each set of gauges during each revolution thereof, said positioning means including a supporting arm capable of passing through the split of each gauge as it passes thereby.

7. A machine for sorting articles according to size, comprising a plurality of gauges of different sizes mounted in circumferentially spaced-apart relation for rotation along a predetermined path about a horizontal axis, each of said gauges being adapted to pick up an article of a corresponding size at a point in said path, a corresponding plurality of chutes mounted for rotation about said axis and respectively associated with said gauges, each chute being disposed with respect to its associated gaugefor receiving therefrom an article picked up thereby.

8. A machine for sorting articles according to size, comprising a plurality of gauges of different sizes -m'0unted in circumferentially spaced-apart relation for rotation along a predetermined path about a horizontal axis, each of said gauges being adapted to pick up an article of a corresponding size at a point in said path, a corresponding plurality of chutes mounted for rotation about said axis and respectively associated with said gauges, a corresponding plurality of stationary bins respectively associated with said chutes, each chute being disposed with respect to its associated gauge for receiving therefrom an article picked up thereby and being shaped to discharge an article it receives into its associated bin.

9. A machine for sorting articles of circular cross-section according to their maximum diameters, comprising a plurality of ring gauges of different internal diameters mounted for rotation in order of decreasing internal diameters along a predetermined circular path, a magazine for feeding articles to be sorted to the machine, means for receiving articles sequentially from said magazine and positioning them sequentially in said path in a predetermined timed relation with the travel of said gauges, whereby a gauge of appropriate size Will pick up one of the articles during each revolution of the gauges, a plurality of chutes corresponding to the number of gauges mounted for rotation with the gauges and respectively disposed in association therewith for receiving articles picked up thereby, and a plurality of stationary receiving hoppers corresponding to the number of chutes respectively associated therewith and disposed for receiving from the respectively associated chutes the articles received by the chutes from the respectively associated gauges.

10. A machine for sorting articles according to size, comprising a plurality of gauges each having an aperture therethrough of a different size from the others and similar in profile to the articles to be sorted, means for cyclically moving said gauges around a predetermined closed path in order of decreasing aperture size, means for causing one of the articles to be sorted to lodge in the aperture of one of the gauges during each cycle and means associated with the gauges for freeing an article lodged therein for subsequent removal.

11. A machine for sorting articles according to size, comprising a plurality of gauges each having an aperture therethrough of a difierent size from the others and similar in profile to the articles to be sorted, means for cyclically moving said gauges around a predetermined closed path in order of decreasing aperture size, means for causing one of the articles to be sorted to lodge in the aperture of one of the gauges during each cycle, and a corresponding plurality of means respectively associated with said gauges for freeing articles lodged therein for subsequent removal.

12. A machine for sorting articles according to size, comprising a plurality of gauges each having an aperture therethrough of a different size from the others and similar in profile to the articles to be sorted, means for cyclically moving said gauges around a predetermined closed path in order of decreasing aperture size, means for causing one of the articles to be sorted to lodge in the aperture of a gauge of appropriate size during each cycle, and a corresponding plurality of means respectively pivotally mounted on said gauges for gravity operation at a predetermined point along said path to free articles lodged in the gauges for subsequent removal.

13. A machine for sorting articles of circular cross section according to their maximum diameters comprising a plurality of split ring gauges of different internal diameters, means for moving said gauges past a certain point in order of decreasing internal diameter, and means for positioning one of the articles to be sorted at said point and in the path of said gauges for selective removal by a gauge of appropriate size, said positioning means being supported by an arm capable of passing through the split of each split ring gauge.

14. A bit-sorting machine comprising a plurality of split ring gauges oi difierent internal diameters, means for moving said gauges upwardly past a point in order of decreasing internal diameter, and means for positioning one of said bits at said point for selective removal by a gauge of appropriate size, said positioning means being supported by an arm capable of passing through the split of each split ring gauge.

HOWARD JOHNSTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,307,957 Reynolds Jan. 12, 1943 2,331,422 Reynolds Oct. 12, 1943 2,376,556 Ruau May 22, 1945 

